If You’re Visiting Japan, ‘Konbinis’ Are Your New Favorite Thing

Traveler, let me give you my most useful tip for visiting Japan: the konbini is life.

What Is a Konbini?

A konbini, or conbini, is a convenience store, minimart, or bodega.

There are several major chains of konbini throughout Japan.

Konbinis have a massive variety of meal and snack options.

The variety of foods available is only one of the perks, though.

The food they have is super cheap for what youre getting.

you could get a decent, filling meal for $5 to $6.

And if youre on a specific diet, there are plenty of unprocessed food options.

Generally, 7-Eleven is your best bet for this because they always have ATMs that support foreign transactions.

Theyre not free to use, but the convenience makes it worth it.

Konbinis also have multi-purpose terminals that usually include copier/fax machines and a place to print digital camera photos.

You will be stuck carrying around your own garbage at some point, and it will be annoying.

I wont go into detail here, buttheres an interesting historical explanation as to why that is.

Fortunately, konbinis usually have a garbage can and recycling bin right at the front of the store.

Yep.

Beer, sake, wine, liquoryou name it, they got it.

And its not going to cost you much to get drunk.

Get turned around?

Did your phones battery just die?

Trying to find that super secret ramen joint thats tucked away in a tiny alley nearby?

Head to the konbini and ask one of the employees.

People in Japan are obnoxiously nice and helpful, especially when theyre on duty at their job.

If you need help, they will give a shot to find a way to help you.